Local News

By Carolyn Ten Broeck

Cedar Keys National Wildlife Refuge is feeling the crunch of the sequestration in a variety of ways; therefore management has to make tough decisions.  Conservation of habitat and public lands is vitally important to the mission of the US Fish and Wildlife Service.  As a result a new boardwalk has been constructed on Atsena Otie in order to protect the ancient midden side of the island from any more erosion.

 Gov. Rick Scott and the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission announced a saltwater license-free fishing day for Sept. 1. On this day, Florida residents and visitors can experience Florida’s unique saltwater fishing opportunities first hand without being required to have a recreational saltwater fishing license. 

In a few days, students will file in from their summer vacation to air-conditioned classrooms once again.  That’s a big change for the four 2013 Youth Conservation Corps (YCC) students who worked outside during their summer break for the Lower Suwannee National Wildlife Refuge.  They’re returning to school with money in their pockets, federal conservation work experience under their belt and a great job reference.